Albion prospects told to grab England chance

Albion's young stars have been urged to grab the chance to progress into the England team under Roy Hodgson.

Alan Cork, part of Hodgson’s scouting team, says Solly March and Jake Forster should seize the opportunity to shine after finishing the season playing for Gareth Southgate’s England under-21s.

England’s failed World Cup campaign is expected to signal the end of the international careers of veteran midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Hodgson took a squad to Brazil laced with young talent and Cork believes Forster-Caskey and March are ideally placed to press their claims in the build-up to the 2016 European Championships in France and 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The former Albion assistant told The Argus: “It’s great for the kids. The thing about Roy is he has always put kids in.

“If I was a young lad now like Solly or Jake I’d be trying like mad to impress Gareth Southgate and get into the squad.

“Once you start getting into the main team you never know. Two or three good reports from games and you are on the screen.

“You’ve got the Europeans coming in two years time. Every position is up for grabs, the goalkeeper, everything.

“If it was me now I’d be thinking ‘Crikey, one good season and I’m in the England team’. Anyone Championship upwards really has got a chance if you are a young, talented kid.

“There is always a turning point when it’s time for the older players to go.

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“Gerrard is an excellent Premier League player but it’s probably time to step aside on the international stage.

“Lampard’s obviously going to go, so it will be interesting. The average age is probably 25 now and it will come right down.”

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Comments (7)

Oh Jesus...can't wait for some actual news. Probably should stop checking every day!

Oh Jesus...can't wait for some actual news. Probably should stop checking every day!pablobrowno

Oh Jesus...can't wait for some actual news. Probably should stop checking every day!

Score: 0

scottishb;ue says...8:52am Wed 25 Jun 14

On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck can

On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck canscottishb;ue

On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck can

Score: -1

DuncanThickett says...9:20am Wed 25 Jun 14

It's good that they are being mentioned as possible future England players, but in reality, they will not get their chance unless with a Prem side (hopefully us next year!). Ones to watch for us this season, they could be important players for our promotion push.

It's good that they are being mentioned as possible future England players, but in reality, they will not get their chance unless with a Prem side (hopefully us next year!). Ones to watch for us this season, they could be important players for our promotion push.DuncanThickett

It's good that they are being mentioned as possible future England players, but in reality, they will not get their chance unless with a Prem side (hopefully us next year!). Ones to watch for us this season, they could be important players for our promotion push.

Score: 5

Dadstheman says...9:27am Wed 25 Jun 14

scottishb;ue wrote…

On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck can

To be fair, he was only selected because his Mum couldn't make it

[quote][p][bold]scottishb;ue[/bold] wrote:
On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck can[/p][/quote]To be fair, he was only selected because his Mum couldn't make itDadstheman

scottishb;ue wrote…

On current form anyone can get a call up esp if wellbeck can

To be fair, he was only selected because his Mum couldn't make it

Score: -6

pjwilk says...10:09am Wed 25 Jun 14

Dont think Roy is the man to take any notice of.

Dont think Roy is the man to take any notice of.pjwilk

Dont think Roy is the man to take any notice of.

Score: -2

bbb1969 says...11:24am Wed 25 Jun 14

Agree that they need to be in a pl club to be in with any chance. Hopefully with us this season or next; depends what other players come in. Welbeck is in the England team cos his great grandfather was in the bomb dispoal regiment during world war 2. His name was Stan Welbeck

Agree that they need to be in a pl club to be in with any chance.
Hopefully with us this season or next; depends what other players come in.
Welbeck is in the England team cos his great grandfather was in the bomb dispoal regiment during world war 2. His name was Stan Welbeckbbb1969

Agree that they need to be in a pl club to be in with any chance. Hopefully with us this season or next; depends what other players come in. Welbeck is in the England team cos his great grandfather was in the bomb dispoal regiment during world war 2. His name was Stan Welbeck

Score: -1

Mayfield sweeper says...1:41pm Wed 25 Jun 14

I think any of us capable of hitting a barn door from 10 yards has a realistic chance of making the England squad these days.

I think any of us capable of hitting a barn door from 10 yards has a realistic chance of making the England squad these days.Mayfield sweeper

I think any of us capable of hitting a barn door from 10 yards has a realistic chance of making the England squad these days.

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